With recipes, ghost kitchens, and family secrets, the follow-up to The Diva Says Cheesecake! will entertain fans of this long-running cozy mystery series.
An action-packed mystery, suspenseful from page one, with intensity and plot twists that don’t let up. The follow-up to When She Dreams is a compelling romantic mystery with psychic connections and sparkling dialogue.
How Peter and Sally interconnect is one of the disturbing twists in this deeply unsettling psychological novel. While it’s not a thriller, those who like thrillers and true-crime readers would enjoy this book.
Mental health, friendship, loyalty, jealousy, corruption, and love all have a place in this highly recommended novel that takes readers on a roller-coaster of events and emotions that the characters experience.
Gray continues her homage to Jane Austen with this sequel that wonderfully reimagines the lives of Austen’s characters yet stays faithful to the spirit of the classic works. Readers should be aware there are spoilers from the first novel woven into this story. It’s fun to anticipate the other Austen characters the young sleuths might encounter in future novels.
There are echoes of Patricia Highsmith and Margaret Millar, but this debut takes too long to get there and is not so much about detection as about obsession.
Readers might find the five narrating voices to be too many and the overall premise to be manipulative, but it could be fun for those interested in stories of backstabbing and suspicion. Suggest for fans of Sulari Gentill’s The Woman in the Library.
Intricately plotted, entertaining, and full of red herrings, Strohmeyer’s latest (after Do I Know You??) is a fun romp of a thriller that will keep readers guessing until the last page. For fans of Lisa Jewell and Clare Mackintosh.
While the book perfectly captures the near fatalistic tone of noir crime fiction at its best, Crane also gives world-weary readers a small measure of hope for the future with his pointed and poignant insights into life and love.
White (The Second Husband) relies too much on coincidence and uncertainty in this psychological suspense novel that is low in tension. Several characters are primed to be more threatening, but little develops, leaving the plot curiously flat. For readers who like a puzzle with a twist.
Frampton follows up the first “School for Scoundrels” book, Her Lessons in Persuasion, with another scorching pairing. Recommended for romance fans who like it hot, hot, hot.
This modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma takes readers from Regency England to present-day high-society Manhattan, but the relationship foibles and romantic misunderstanding remain intact. For fans of the movie Clueless and retellings of classics.
If readers don’t mind the instalove timeframe or singular first-person narrative, they’ll find a lot to like in the latest from Morrissey (A Thousand Miles). It tells a story of emotional healing and an adult’s discovery of her bisexuality; there are also strong sibling connections and a fun camp setting.
This charming, cozy, contemporary romance from Aguirre (the fourth in the “Fix-It Witches” series, following Extra Witchy) is filled with wonderfully quirky characters. The protagonists are well-developed, and the storyline is well-paced. It’s drama-free, but there are surprises around every corner and humor on every page; readers won’t want the magic to end.
The story contains a great mix of wit and attraction as opposites clash and romance blooms. Recommended for readers who like historical romance, independent women, high-society romance, and transformation stories.
The novel drags out the mysterious past events between Kathleen and Cal and focuses far more on musical theater, boy-band references, and Jewish summer camp nostalgia than the romance. Recommended for purchase where the author’s previous book Funny You Should Ask circulates well.
Like Anna’s very online fans, readers may find themselves shipping #EdAnna, but Anna’s burgeoning professional confidence and Eden’s discovery of her desire for women also take center stage.
Not since Lisa Lutz’s The Spellman Files has there been such a delightful literary marriage of endearingly quirky characters and deliciously dry wit. Fans of Francine Prose’s The Maid or Meg Cabot’s Heather Wells mysteries will equally embrace the arrival of Charlotte and her cohorts on the detecting scene.
The Agatha Award–winning author of A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder is adept at misdirection. Witty British conversation and social history as viewed by an American will continue to appeal to fans of Victorian mysteries.
Fans of Richard Osman’s “Thursday Murder Club” series will appreciate the latest addition to the ranks of older sleuths, by the best-selling author of the “Chet and Bernie” mysteries.
World War II and espionage novels are popular, and the author of the Faye Longchamp mysteries brings both together in a story of young women undercover on the home front. Suggest for Joyce St. Anthony fans.
LaRocca (They Were Here Before Us) has seen viral success with their shorter works, but their first full-length novel demonstrates their growth as a writer. A perfect example of how writers from historically marginalized communities, like Hailey Piper, R.J. Joseph, and V. Castro, are actively mining the horror of their personal experiences to create terrifying, original, and emotionally resonant works that speak loudly to readers.
With this brilliantly constructed tale that consciously takes on a well-known story and violently breaks it open to reveal a heartfelt core, Khaw cements their status as a must-read author. For fans of sinister, thought-provoking, horrific retellings of Western classics by authors of marginalized identity like Helen Oyeyemi and Ahmed Saadawi.
Will be enjoyed by fans of Cassandra Khaw and Lucy Snyder, but more importantly, it’s another stellar collection from Undertow, making the independent publisher a not-to-miss player in the horror marketplace.
Wellington (The Last Astronaut), one of the innovators of novel serializations, retains that spirit in this open-ended series starter. A solid entry in the popular space-horror subgenre, which will appeal to fans of S.A. Barnes and John Scalzi.
Obvious comparisons will be made to American Psycho, but this illicitly alluring tale pairs even better with current voices in the extreme-horror subgenre, such as Michael J. Seidlinger, Eric LaRocca, and Hailey Piper.
Monroe’s (They Drown Our Daughters) honest and thoughtful contemplation of the horrors of postpartum depression is as big a draw as the visceral dread of the suspenseful thriller/horror hybrid storyline. A perfect choice for fans of motherhood-framed psychological horror like Such a Pretty Smile by Kristi DeMeester and Just Like Mother by Anne Heltzel.
While the characters and various subplots feel a little uneven and sometimes forced, the strength of this inspired-by novel rests in the author’s descriptions of Tuscany and the local cuisine. Cuillo’s love for this area of Italy shines through and will make readers want to pack up and head out on a winery adventure of their own.
Published earlier in the UK, Owusu’s slight novel was awarded the 2020 Desmond Elliott Prize for debut fiction. Short chapters, some merely a paragraph in length, propel the narrative. Don’t be fooled by its slight size, however; this poetic story packs a big emotional punch and will engage a range of readers.
Immersive, heartbreaking, and hard to put down, with an unforgettable heroine. Fans of Baker will enjoy the same compelling style the author is known for, and those who read World War II fiction will be delighted with her thorough research and fresh perspective on the period.
A deep dive into the complexities of marriage makes this novel perfect fodder for book discussions. Should appeal to fans of Elizabeth Berg, Eleanor Lipman, and Meg Wolitzer.
Bowen has achieved success as a prolific romance author. While this novel is historical fiction framed around real events and directly inspired by real people, fundamental romance characteristics permeate the dual storylines.
The duology’s conclusion (following In a Garden Burning Gold) is a raw, emotional journey of a family created and broken by the consequences of their actions.
This novel will appeal to those who deeply loved V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue or Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus, but may be a tough sell for others.
With surprising depth and touching relationships, this debut packs a punch and sets up a fascinating foundation for the rest of the series. Great for fans of Will Wight.
This novel has the potential to become a fan-favorite among those who appreciate vast and eloquent epic fantasy. Readers will enjoy the unique twists, absorbing intrigue, and endearing characters.
This stand-alone epic fantasy from Tchaikovsky (Children of Memory) is highly recommended for lovers of big sprawling sagas who don’t want to wait years for a climactic conclusion.
While still full of action and intrigue, Blair’s fantastic second book in the gripping “Halfling Saga” gives space for more introspection as Keera searches for answers about her family and her magical abilities and realizes that she’ll need to rely on others to achieve freedom for herself and all of the Halflings.
Harkaway (Gnomon) combines a satisfying mystery with a thought-provoking science-fictional setting and just the right touch of heartbreak to make for a compelling read. Recommended for those who enjoy reading SF/mystery blends such as The Spare Man by Mary Robinette Kowal, Station Eternity by Mur Lafferty, and especially Drunk on All Your Strange New Words by Eddie Robson.
Törzs does a fantastic job creating a gripping and suspenseful story that keeps readers on their toes and wanting more. Fans of The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern will love this magic- and suspense-filled novel.
The captivating finale (following Savage Bounty) to a series filled with action and themes of politics and classism features an epic world and showcases hidden power structures, family secrets, and women who believe in a better life for all.
Readers who enjoyed Arkady Martine’s “Teixcalaan” series will see fascinating similarities in this portrait of a rapacious empire as it begins to fall, while any SF reader who loves political skullduggery told through fascinating and empathetic characters will be captivated by Leckie’s latest foray into the Imperial Radch in all its complexity and corruption. Highly recommended.
This book will appeal to readers seeking a multicultural historical romance heavy on adrenaline and intrigue. Recommended for fans of Sarah MacLean, Eva Leigh, and Julia Quinn.
A lyrical, romantic debut with tender, moving notes about Filipino American families and queer love stories. Perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall, this is a must-have for library shelves.
This slow-burn, inclusive, friends-to-lovers romance highlights LGBTQIA+ and Black characters. While a much different pace from Alexander’s previous romance, Can’t Resist Her, the story is charming with realistic complexities that occur in budding relationships.
The first in the popular “Green Creek” tetralogy, reissued by Tor, pairs Ox, steady as a rock, with Joe, a tornado plagued by a demon from his past. Their contrasting natures and a pack split generate lots of tension between Joe and Ox and the members of their respective packs, for an exciting start to the series.
This new series spin-off of Spear’s (Jingle Bell Wolf) “Wolff Brothers” books will have readers falling even more for the shifters of Silver Town and the mysteries they encounter.
Beharrie (A Ghost in Shining Armor) manages to combine a South African setting, humor, a good deal of angst, and a satisfying amount of groveling into a fresh and moving novel. Highly recommended for all fiction collections.
A different kind of epic than The Ten Commandments, this novel focuses on Ali showing his love for and belief in his grandson by giving him not a tablet of principles but a story of human triumph that goes beyond Hollywood artifice.
Chok’s graceful narration works in tandem with the otherworldly atmosphere that Yu has created. This unforgettable listen should please fans of Hiroko Oyamada.
A sometimes harrowing, sometimes gruesome, but always entertaining collection; listeners may want to take care not to listen near a forest! Fans of feminist folklore retellings will find much to love.
This powerful and heartbreaking work thrums with the rhythm of Mikhail’s lyrical and poetic language. Share with listeners who wish to learn more about Daesh rule of Mosul.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an intricate, eerie suspense novel teeming with tension and twists. Recommended for fans of Marin Montgomery, Mary Kubica, and Rachel Hawkins.
This beautifully realized audio is an absolute must for fans of postapocalyptic fiction. Recommend to listeners who enjoy science fiction that’s based in fantasy rather than hard science.
Well known in Australia for her critically acclaimed and compelling speculative fiction, Warren has written a must-read for fans of menacing, thought-provoking, horror-laced dystopias like Agustina Bazterrica’s Tender is the Flesh and Cherie Dimaline’s The Marrow Thieves.
A great suggestion for readers who enjoy the atmospheric, horror-adjacent novels of Simone St. James or psychological horror such as Petra’s Ghost by C.S. O’Cinneide.
Corben’s (Shadows on the Grave) surreal imagination and highly detailed, stunningly textured illustration have earned him a place among the most highly acclaimed and influential creators of graphic novels and commercial art of the past five decades. This volume collects material originally serialized across various monthly publications in the years before his death in 2020.
Author Jensen (Bylines in Blood) balances an exploration of truth and systemic power with propulsive action and suspense, while illustrator Lonergan’s (Planet Paradise) page design and visual storytelling result in an uncanny sense of scale, movement, and pacing.
Kindt (Mind MGMT: Bootleg) and illustrator Pendanx (A Fake Story) present an engrossing existential noir with a finale as shocking as it is genuinely affecting.
Waiters’s impressive debut is a fast-paced science-fiction odyssey that explores morality, ethics, and personal responsibility with humor and loads of charm.
Franklin’s lyrical, erudite style befits Belle and grabs readers’ attention. Pairs well with Ulrich Boser’s The Gardner Heist, a nonfiction title about Gardner’s fabulous collection and the famous unsolved robbery at the museum in 1990.
With an enjoyable mix of sci-fi and mystery elements, Copperman’s latest (after And Justice for Mall) features an intriguing and likable pair of detectives whose complementary skills help them survive and thrive and maybe even find their family.
The first in a new cozy series by the author of the “Nick and Nora” mysteries is the typical one with an amateur sleuth as a suspect, a hot cop, and recipes. It’s sure to satisfy fans of Lucy Burdette’s “Key West Food Critic” mysteries.
The unusual setting provides a great history lesson and a peek at life behind the scenes at a world-renowned landmark. However, popular TikToker Clawson (who also lives in the Tower of London with her Beefeater father) doesn’t break any new ground with the novel or the characters.